Q: Dan, are Brady Quinn’s days as Brown numbered? It doesn’t seem like [coach Eric] Mangini likes the guy.
— Dirk, Youngstown, Ohio

A: Quinn’s days may be numbered in Cleveland, but only if he fails to step up.

I think it will be up to Quinn now. My understanding is Eric Mangini has committed to giving Quinn a chance. The Browns could have traded Quinn on draft day. And they could have chosen Mark Sanchez or another quarterback high in the draft.

The fact that they stuck with the status quo tells us more than any press conference could have. Quinn will get an opportunity, and I think it’s a smart move by Mangini.

Q: Do you think more teams will be using the Wildcat formation this season? I like that Dolphins drafted Pat White to use as part of it, but don’t want other teams to have that advantage.
— Chuck Reif, Stuart, Fla.

A: I do believe the Wildcat will be used by more teams. But how much it will be used depends on how effective it is.

You can bet that every NFL offensive coordinator spent time studying the Wildcat this offseason. And every defensive coordinator did the same. It’s very possible the Wildcat will be tried by many teams and shut down early in the season — leading to its quick demise.

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And it’s also possible innovative coaches will put new twists on the scheme that enable it to flourish. It’s going to be fun to watch.

Q: What do you think of the Cardinals decision to release Rod Hood and keep Ralph Brown? I personally am not only in shock, but I’m pretty angry. Any words of wisdom for me to calm me down, other than see how it plays out? lol. I’m also of the opinion they should have released [Aaron] Francisco and Brown instead of Hood, your thoughts?
— Eric, Phoenix

A: I don’t believe there is a big difference between Hood and Brown from a talent perspective. It’s not as if one is a Pro Bowl, shut down cover man and the other gets burned on every snap. I’d be surprised if the decision to keep Brown instead of Hood ended up playing a big role in the Cardinals’ season.

Q: When I played high school football my knee pads really covered my knees; going all the way over the kneecap area. I see a lot of receivers with their pants coming to just above the knee. There's no knee pads. It seems to be a league wide thing. Why is this allowed?
— Michael Billington, Paradise, Calif.

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A: It is allowed because most NFL players don’t want to wear knee pads, and there probably is not solid enough evidence to suggest that knee pads prevent injuries. Players think pads slow them down. The only pads that are required in the NFL are shoulder pads.

Here is what the NFL rule book says about other pads: “It is recommended that all players wear hip pads, thigh pads, and knee pads which reasonably avoid the risk of injury. Unless otherwise provided by individual team policy, it is the players’ responsibility and decision whether to follow this recommendation and use such pads.”